...for the love of girl scout cookies...

Hi, my name is Rachel and I am addicted to Girl Scout Cookies. Yup, sad but true. My love for these limited time treats started in Elementary School when I myself was hustling the things. Ever since, I have had a full-blow love affair for Thin Mints, Samoa’s and Do-si-dos. Now no longer being a Girl Scout or having any of the sweet girls visit us to take our order, I have been on the hunt for the nearest grocery store table set-up. I have been searching for them so badly I even downloaded the iphone app. Pathetic, I know. So this past weekend between Home Depot visits, I had my eyes out for the girls in their green patched vests. After about three grocery store “drive-by’s" I found them! Success! I am embarrassed to confess I was the girl’s biggest sale that day, but am happy to have a stocked pantry. Hopefully, now my girl scout cookie cravings will be squashed until next year. So, now that I have told you my secret, tell me what's your favorite cookie?

[my iphone app., desperate times call for desperate measures]

[i spy girl scouts]

[success!]

xoxo,

R

...a night with a mexican mule...

This weekend has been set-aside to finish the many on-going projects we have had around the house and to get our home "market" ready. As anyone knows, housework generally equals no fun, but after a hard working Saturday we decided to treat ourselves to a new drink Mikis has been wanting to try, the Mexican Mule. It was delicious and the perfect ending to an exhausting day. Try this drink out for yourself and let us know what you think!

   Ingredients 

• 2.5 fl. oz. of Tequila
• 1.5 fl. oz. of Lime Juice
• 0.5 fl. oz. of Sugar Syrup or Liquid Sweetener
• Ginger Beer
• Ice

Directions  

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with the ice, shake and strain into a  glass filled with ice, top with Ginger Beer.

Enjoy!

[the mix master himself]

[a new troyan favorite]

 

xoxo,

R+M

...tgif...

This week has felt like a roller coaster ride, with a few major losses and changes at work as well as a few positive and exciting changes in our future. I felt like this song was just a bit too fitting for the week we just had. Hope you have a fabulous weekend and enjoy!

xoxo,

R+M

...words of wisdom...

xoxo,

R+M

...life as a juror...

Jury Duty. A two letter word that most people dread. The feeling of ugh the minute you see the summons in the mailbox, and the feeling of relief when your group is released for the day. Whether ever actually serving or not, everyone has pre-conceived notions on how they feel about Jury Duty and what to expect. I simply thought you showed up the day of, hung out for an hour or two and was let go to enjoy the rest of your day. Boy, was I wrong! Last week I was called in for Jury Duty, my third time in a year, and for once actually had to report. I showed up bright and early at 8:45a.m. to stand in a half an hour line to get through security to later wait in a large room for hours. Once I was finally called at 2p.m., myself and fifty-five other jurors reported to a court room and sat through three hours of questioning to see who would be the best fit and most un-biased person for this case. Out of fifty-five people, I was picked to be one of fourteen jurors, the thought in my head was “oh joy!”. Honestly, I wasn’t looking forward to it, but knowing it was my civic duty, tried to make the best out of it. Throughout the process, I found myself intrigued and even somewhat enjoying the process. I loved being able to hear expert witness testimony, come up with my own thoughts and conclusions, and really see the judicial system in action. Honestly it was a great learning experience. One I actually think everyone should get the opportunity to experience once in their life. Although exhausting days were part of the juror gig, I was able to enjoy hour-and-a-half lunches in the beautiful Arizona weather, enjoying a few new and past favorite lunch spots.

I wasn’t able to take any photos inside the court building, but here are a few from my nice breaks.

[my home for a few days]

[trying out vitamin t]

[my fav from duck and decanter]

[my lunch locale]

xoxo,

R

...tgif...

After a very long and tiring week of Jury Duty, I am very ready for a fun and relaxing weekend! Today's video pick was one of my favorite's from last weekend's Grammy's. Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

xoxo,

R+M

...words of wisdom...

 

xoxo,

R+M

...a love drop...

As much as I love getting gifts, I love giving them even more. It truly makes my day to know a small surprise or thoughtful gift has made someone’s day. It truly is amazing what an impact the smallest gesture can make on someone. So, in spirit of Valentine’s Day I did a little love drop to twenty-five of my girlfriends, and sent them a small goodie bag filled with sweet treats, fun heart bracelets, festive chapstick and a small note. Valentine’s day isn’t just about showing your significant other love, but also all the other amazing people in your life. The sweet thank you’s and texts I received made this little surprise even more worth it. I hope my experience inspires you to send friends, relatives and anyone else just a little something special. It truly will make their day and yours, I promise!

Here's a few photo's from putting the packages together...

[my valentine helper]

[trying to sneak a snack]

[awaiting shipment]

xoxo,

R

...happy valentine's day...

From our family to yours, we wish you a wonderful Valentine's Day full of love, lots of chocolate and other sweet surprises!

xoxo,

R+M

...a surprise from my valentine...

As mentioned here, I LOVE surprises. I mean who doesn’t really? Well Sunday morning I woke up to a sweet Valentine’s Day surprise from Mikis. While still trying to get the sleep out of my eyes, he handed me an envelope. As it wasn’t Valentine’s Day yet you can imagine my confusion. Well, I opened the sweetly homemade card and was surprised with a note that told me to pack my bathing suit and be ready by 10:30a.m. I jumped out of bed immediately and got quickly ready. Soon after Mikis divulged our plans for the day, he booked us a couples massage at Joya Spa at the Montelucia Resort. What a sweet surprise right? I swear, Mikis can be such a romantic when he wants to be. We enjoyed an amazing couples massage along with champagne at one of the best Spa’s in Arizona. Afterward we enjoyed lunch in the beautiful Arizona sun, a picture perfect Sunday in my book. 

Here are a few photos from our trip. 

 

[mikis releasing his negative energy and tension]

[the gorgeous montelucia grounds]

xoxo,

R+M

...friday night with the fam...

Mikis and I are so lucky to have my brothers and sister live so nearby, which allows frequent visits and fun nights hanging out. Every time we are with my siblings, I think of how lucky I am to have such amazing people in my life. Now that they are teenagers it is a easier to relate to them more than ever, which makes us closer than ever. Honestly, spending time with them makes me more excited for when Mikis and I are parents ourselves, but for now we take every opportunity to hang with them. Last night was one of the those great nights where we were able to have dinner and spend the rest of the night with the fam.

[gotta love 16yr old's eating habits. yes those are french fries in his burger]

xoxo,

R+M

...tgif...

Today's tgif music pick was inspired by one of my favorite ads from last week's Superbowl. Love this song, love this movie. Hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy!

xoxo,

R+M

...for the love of book club...

Book Club. This one word can mean so many things to so many people. I have luckily been apart of a book club with a great group of ladies for the last three years. Our club has taken on many different looks and has even lost and gained new members, but our monthly meetings have always stayed a constant. Book Club means many things to me: reading, discussions, girlfriend get-together's, laughs, and wine, just to name a few. I truly look forward to our monthly get-together's and couldn’t imagine life without book club. Weird, I know. But it truly has become a part of life, that I would miss if  it came to an end.  Recently, our book club has taken on a new look, and is now called The Club. In this new format each lady gets to choose a theme for the month she hosts, which includes a book choice as well as an entertainment element. It’s added a fun vibe and given the ladies who aren’t the biggest readers an element to enjoy.  The first meeting with this new format was last month and was a Game Night hosted by Christine. It was awesome. A night of many laughs, great bruschetta, and lots of wine!

This month's book pick was The Hunger Games trilogy, which I LOVED. Honestly, the series was extremely addicting, a fast read and one I thoroughly enjoyed. If your looking for a book that is an easy read, these will hook you from the start. 

Here are a few photos from the night…

[make your own bruschetta]

[morgi, honorary member of the club]

[her love for cash and credit cards starting early]

[let's just say this is a belly laugh game, all the way]

[molls, the beer-o rather than wine-o]

Until next month ladies...

xoxo,

R

...words of wisdom...

 

 

 [via]

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xoxo,

R+M

...for the love of snacks...

It’s like peanut butter and jelly, Superbowl isn’t Superbowl without fabulous snacks and of course festive drinks. With that said, how is one to stick to their New Year’s Resolutions and make a day of binge eating into something healthy? Well, the ladies at Fab, Fit and Fun, have a few pointers for you to help you enjoy Superbowl snacks while still watching your waistline.

For more tips, sign up for Fab, Fit and Fun's daily email here.

xoxo,
R